Book tip: HADN – The Buckwheat Cookbook
A local supergrain that bridges tradition, modernity and the future
12 July 2026
Buckwheat, affectionately known as ‘Hadn’ in Southern Carinthia, is one of those products that quietly disappeared – and is now making a natural comeback. HADN – The Buckwheat Cookbook is dedicated to this almost forgotten powerhouse grain with remarkable dedication: rooted in culinary, cultural and regional traditions.
Together with the Klopeiner See – South Carinthia – Lavant Valley tourism region, food expert and editor cookingCatrin (Catrin Ferrari-Brunnenfeld) embarks on a journey to the roots of Carinthian ‘Hadn’. The book combines over 55 creative sweet and savoury recipes with in-depth background knowledge – from cultivation and history to its modern-day significance as a gluten-free, nutrient-rich superfood. Buckwheat is not only presented as flour, but also as semolina or rice: given a modern twist, suitable for everyday use and surprisingly versatile.
INFO
HADN – The Buckwheat Cookbook
Authors: Catrin Ferrari-Brunnenfeld (cookingCatrin)
Publisher: Klopeiner See Tourism Region – Southern Carinthia – Lavant Valley / KSL Tourismus Marketing GmbH
Length: 180 pages
ISBN: 978-3-200-09933-3
Price: €24.90
Publication date: September 2025
A local superfood
What is particularly compelling is the book’s ability to look beyond the plate. Interviews with regional producers, insights into Hadn as a product of the circular economy, and its integration into the annual cycle of Southern Carinthia make the book more than just a collection of recipes. What was once known as ‘Hadn-Sterz’ – a filling meal for the poor – is now recognised as a local superfood with high nutritional value, prized for its digestibility, nutritional benefits and suitability for contemporary cuisine.
This cookbook skilfully bridges the gap between tradition and modern nutrition. It is aimed at anyone wishing to rediscover regional produce, from those cooking gluten-free to chefs, restaurateurs and food lovers seeking authentic ingredients with a rich history. Here, Hadn is not romanticised through a nostalgic lens, but positioned as a sustainable component of mindful cuisine.
